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Former AFL player dies aged 29

Anna Houlahan
Carla Mascarenhas
Updated May 10 2024 - 3:29pm, first published 1:43pm
Former Dockers player Cam McCarthy has died aged 29. Picture AAP Image/Gary Day
Former Dockers player Cam McCarthy has died aged 29. Picture AAP Image/Gary Day

Ex-AFL player Cam McCarthy, who played for the Fremantle Dockers and Greater Western Sydney, has died aged 29.

Emergency services were called to a house in the south Perth suburb of Lake Coogee at 6.15pm on May 9 to find the former footballer dead, Western Australia Police said.

Investigators said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Tributes flow for the young footballer

South Fremantle Football Club, where Mr McCarthy played most recently said "Cam is remembered not just as a prodigious football talent, but as a popular, compassionate and caring person who had time for everyone at our club".

"He will be dearly missed," the club's statement read.

"The entire South Fremantle Football Club community offers condolences to the McCarthy family at this difficult time."

GWS Giants mourned their former teammate saying "Cam had great energy and was a much-loved member of our club for the seasons he was here. He was very popular and a bright footballing talent".

WA Premier Roger Cook described Mr McCarthy as "a great sportsperson, a terrific member of our community".

"This is unbelievably sad," he said.

Cam McCarthy celebrates with team mates after GWS' first ever win on August 31, 2014. Picture AAP Image/Joe Castro
Cam McCarthy celebrates with team mates after GWS' first ever win on August 31, 2014. Picture AAP Image/Joe Castro

"Our heart goes out to that family and friends who must be really hurting today.

"Every elite sportsperson has a range of pressures in their lives and when they move on from their sporting careers those pressures remain."

His former team the Fremantle Dockers also shared their sadness of Mr McCarthy's death saying "his death is tragic, and to all of his family, friends and teammates, we extend our deepest condolences".

Sports broadcaster Neroli Meadows tweeted: "I didn't know Cam McCarthy well but our interactions were always so enjoyable. A kind soul with a down to earth demeanour who would cheer me on in hotel quarantine, chat cricket and just generally put a smile on my face".

Broadcaster Nick Lynne described him as one of the most "endearing and thoughtful kids I dealt with during my time covering the WA footy pathways".

"This is just horrible," he wrote on X.

Anna Houlahan

Anna Houlahan

Journalist

Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au

Carla Mascarenhas

Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au